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Currency in France

A practical currency and money guide to travel, living and doing business in France and the Euro (EUR).

View from Sacre Coeur, Paris, France.

What's in this France currency guide:

Currency Facts for France
Travel & Money Ideas
Expat & Business Tips
EUR/USD – Market Data
Compare EUR Exchange Rates

What currency is used in France?

The official currency of France (country code: FR) is the euro, with symbol € and currency code EUR.

Things to know about the euro

The euro (ISO: EUR) is involved in slightly more than 30% of all foreign exchange deals, and as such, is the world’s second most traded currency, behind the US dollar.

The euro is the currency of the eurozone (officially called the ‘euro area’), which consists of 19 of the 28 member states of the European Union, and is used by almost 350 million Europeans. It was introduced in January 1999.

Of all the thousands of exchange rates that exist in the world, the euro-to-US dollar exchange rate is the most actively traded, or most ‘liquid’.

Since its introduction, the euro’s lowest value against the dollar came in October 2000 when EUR/USD hit lows of 0.8231. The currency was strongest in July 2008, shortly before the worst stage of the 2007-2009 financial crisis, when EUR/USD reached 1.6038.

There are currently more than twenty nations and territories which peg their currencies to the euro, the largest of which is Denmark.

The euro banknotes and coins

The Euro is issued in banknotes of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500, and in coins of 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, €1, and €2.

The banknotes feature images of historical and cultural figures from across the European Union, while the coins depict each member country's unique design. The design of the Euro banknotes and coins is intended to be easily identifiable and difficult to counterfeit.

An example euro banknote

Travel Ideas and Money Tips for France

Planning a trip to France

Planning a trip to France can be exciting and overwhelming. Here are a few things to consider when planning your trip:

If you plan on using public transportation, consider purchasing a Navigo pass, which allows for unlimited travel on buses, trains, and the metro within certain zones.
France has a wealth of cultural and historical landmarks, many of which require admission fees. To save money, consider purchasing a museum pass, which allows for discounted or free admission to a variety of museums and landmarks.
It's a good idea to learn a few basic phrases in French, as not everyone in France speaks English fluently. Greetings such as "Bonjour" (hello) and "Merci" (thank you) will go a long way in helping you to communicate with locals.
France has a variety of regional cuisines, so be sure to try some local specialties while you're there. Some popular dishes include coq au vin (chicken in red wine), escargot (snails), and ratatouille (a vegetable stew).
If you plan on driving in France, keep in mind that traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road and seat belts are required for all passengers.
Finally, remember to always carry your passport with you, as it is required for identification purposes.
France has a strict plastic bag ban in place, so it's a good idea to bring your own reusable bags when shopping.

Top things to do in France

France is a country with a rich cultural and historical heritage, and there are many things to see and do. Here are a few top things to consider while visiting France:

Visit Paris: Paris is the capital and largest city of France, and is known for its iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum. Take a leisurely stroll along the Seine River, sample some pastries at a local patisserie, or enjoy a leisurely lunch at a café.
Explore the French Riviera: The French Riviera, or Côte d'Azur, is a Mediterranean coastline known for its sunny climate and glamorous resorts. This region is home to Nice, Cannes, and Monaco, and is a popular destination for beach-goers and those looking for a taste of the high life.
Tour the Loire Valley: The Loire Valley is a region in central France known for its picturesque landscapes and historic châteaux. Take a leisurely drive through the countryside, visit the famous Château de Chambord, or sample some local wines.
Visit Mont-Saint-Michel: Mont-Saint-Michel is a small island commune in Normandy, famous for its medieval abbey and beautiful beaches. Take a tour of the abbey, explore the winding streets of the village, or enjoy a seafood meal with a view of the ocean.
Visit the D-Day beaches: The D-Day beaches in Normandy are a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during World War II. Take a tour of the beaches and visit the nearby museums to learn more about this important chapter in history.
The French Alps offer some of the best ski slopes in Europe. If you're in Europe in the winter months and at a loss for what to do, consider getting a group together and renting a ski chalet, or staying at one of the slope-side hotels or hostels.

These are just a few of the many things to see and do in France. There is something for everyone, whether you're interested in history, culture, or the great outdoors.

Expat Money & Business Guide to France

Managing your money effectively while living and working abroad can be challenging, but there are several steps you can take to ensure that your finances are in order.

By following these tips and managing your money effectively, you can reduce financial stress and enjoy your experience living or doing business in France.

How is Expat life in France?

Expat life in France can be a rewarding experience, with the country offering a rich culture, history, and a high standard of living. However, it can also be challenging as the country has a different culture and way of life, and the language barrier can be difficult for some.

One of the biggest challenges for expats in France is the language, as French is the official language, and many people do not speak English well. It's recommended to take French classes or at least learn some basic French to make it easier to navigate daily life.

Another challenge for expats in France is the bureaucracy, as the country has a complex system of paperwork and regulations. This can be especially difficult for those who are not familiar with the process, but with the help of a good lawyer or an expat association, it can be navigated.

The cost of living in France can also be high, especially in larger cities such as Paris. Rent, food, and transportation can be expensive, but it is possible to find ways to save money such as by cooking at home and taking advantage of public transportation.

On the other hand, France offers a high standard of living, with access to excellent healthcare, education, and social services. The country is also known for its delicious cuisine, wine, and fashion. Additionally, it's a great place to enjoy the arts and culture, with many museums, galleries, and theatres to visit.

Expat communities can be found in most cities and towns, and joining one can be a great way to meet people and get support during the transition period.

Overall, expat life in France can be challenging, but also rewarding. It takes time to adjust to the new culture and way of life, but with patience and persistence, it is possible to make a home in France and enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer.

Managing your finances in France

Here we list some key points for expats and businesses to consider when managing financial dealings in France:

Understand Euro currency exchange rates: Exchange rates can have a big impact on your finances, so it is important to keep an eye on the EUR exchange rate and consider using a currency exchange service or a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees to get the best exchange rate.
Use a local Euro bank account: A local EUR bank account can make it easier for you to manage your finances and pay bills while you are in France. It may also be more convenient to use a local EUR bank account to make purchases and withdraw cash.
Research local laws and regulations: It is important to understand the local laws and regulations that apply to financial transactions in France. This can help you avoid legal issues and ensure that you are complying with local requirements.
Consider the tax implications: It is important to understand the tax implications of living or doing business in France. This can help you plan your finances and ensure that you are paying the correct amount of tax.
Seek financial advice: If you are unsure of how to manage your finances in France, it is a good idea to seek the advice of a financial professional who is familiar with the local financial system. This can help you make informed decisions and avoid financial pitfalls.

EUR/USD – Market Data

The exchange rate of euro (EUR), or the amount of EUR that can be exchanged for a foreign currency, can fluctuate rapidly based on a number of factors, including economic conditions, interest rates, and political events. Below you can check the latest EUR/USD rate plus recent trend, chart, forecasts and historic rates.

1 EUR = 1.0776 USD

Sell EUR → Buy USD

EUR to USD at 1.0776 is just 0.5% above its 3-month average of 1.072, having fluctuated within a 4.4% range of 1.0522-1.0989

24-MAR 6PM-NY 10PM-LON 25-MAR 6AM-HK 9AM-SYD

1 USD = 0.9279 EUR

EURUSD :

30-DAY▲HIGH2d

1-DAY▼-0.9%1d

FX analysts are forecasting that the US dollar will continue to outperform the euro in March. The US dollar strengthened in February after robust US labor market data and expectations of more interest rate hikes by the US Federal Reserve. On the other hand, the euro lost ground after the ECB held interest rates steady and issued slightly dovish remarks. Additionally, global GDP growth has been sluggish, and inflation pressures have remained elevated, which will continue to be the main drivers of investor risk sentiment and FX markets. Therefore, based on recent FX analyst forecasts, it is likely that the USD will outperform the euro in March, with key support points for EUR/USD at 1.11 and 1.15. Looking at the USD/EUR price data for the previous three months, the exchange rate has been fluctuating within a 4.4% range of 0.9100-0.9504, with the current rate at 0.9313, just below the three-month average of 0.9331. This indicates that the exchange rate has been relatively stable in recent months, despite the fluctuations. However, it is important to note that factors such as inflation, interest rates, and economic growth can influence exchange rates, and any changes in these factors could impact the USD/EUR exchange rate in March.

Date	EUR/USD	Change	Period
10 Mar 2023	1.0657	1% ▲	2 Week
24 Dec 2022	1.0667	0.9% ▲	3 Month
24 Mar 2022	1.1009	2.2% ▼	1 Year
25 Mar 2018	1.2354	12.9% ▼	5 Year
26 Mar 2013	1.2861	16.3% ▼	10 Year
29 Mar 2003	1.0754	0.1% ▲	20 Year

EUR/USD historic rates & change to 24-Mar-2023

Compare Euro Exchange Rates & Fees

The below comparison table makes it easy to find the best exchange rates and lowest fees when you want to make an International Money Transfer to France or planning a trip or maybe living there, so will need to exchange and spend Euro.

Loading comparison rates...

Provider	Amounts	Rate	Total Cost

It is important to note that the exchange rate of the euro can change rapidly and that past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance. It is advisable to carefully consider the risks and factors that may affect EUR exchange rates before making any financial decisions.